Russia and Georgia: Are they heading for war?

Russia has severed all land, sea, air, and postal links with Georgia. Moscow has stopped issuing visas to Georgian nationals, and the Duma is to consider preventing Georgians working in Russia from sending their earnings back home. The Kremlin estimates that the Georgian diaspora sends back $1bn every year, making a significant contribution to Tbilisi's budget.

Russia has also banned the import of Georgian wine and mineral water, and at the beginning of this year briefly cut gas and power supplies. In the last few days, businesses owned by ethnic Georgians in Russia have allegedly been raided by police, with two casinos shut down in Moscow and Georgians subjected to increased document checks. Russia has also recalled its ambassador to Tbilisi, effectively severing diplomatic ties.

Mr Saakashvili also alleges that pro-Russian forces are targeting helicopters carrying his ministers with surface-to-air missiles, a charge Moscow denies. Georgia has vowed to block Russia's bid to join the World Trade Organisation until t